The Toxic Site Detective: Kirk Vartan

Santa Clara, CA - It doesn’t surprise you to learn that Kirk Vartan grew up in New York City.  He is straightforward, talks quickly, and loves good pizza.  What might surprise you is the dedication, stamina and drive this pizza parlor owner, who traded in his corporate suit and tie for a white apron, gives to protecting democracy and the public voice.

Vartan, along with about fifteen other Santa Clara residents started SaveBAREC after learning that one of the few open spaces left in Santa Clara County was about to be taken out of the public domain, sold off, and privatized.  As Vartan dug deeper he uncovered decades of pesticide testing, soil contamination, and illness surrounding the property.

When the group brought their concerns to the local city council, they were astonished as their voices were overpowered by big money and big business.  Vartan and the group continue to mobilize at the grassroots level, building up the public support to pressure the company and the State to do the right thing and properly clean up the pesticide residue and preserve the space for public use. “It is important that citizens stand up to local government when it loses focus.  We are a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.  This is our democracy and we are all empowered to make sure it is working for us,” Vartan said.

To get involved with Kirk's group contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@pesticidewatch.org